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India Sweeps UN ECOSOC Elections, Preeti Saran Re-Elected to Key Committee

India has been elected unopposed to four bodies under the UN's Economic and Social Council. Former senior diplomat Preeti Saran was re-elected to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, where she chaired last year's session. The other bodies India joined are the Commission on Science and Technology for Development and committees on Non-Governmental Organisations and Programme and Coordination. All elections were conducted by unanimous acclamation.

Key Points: India Wins All Four UN ECOSOC Body Elections Unopposed

  • India wins all four UN ECOSOC elections
  • Preeti Saran re-elected to CESCR
  • Elections held by unanimous acclamation
  • Wins cover key development and NGO committees
2 min read

India sweeps UN elections unopposed to ECOSOC bodies

India elected unopposed to four key UN ECOSOC bodies, including re-electing diplomat Preeti Saran to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

"India has swept unopposed the four elections to Economic and Social Council bodies - IANS"

United Nations, April 9

India has swept unopposed the four elections to Economic and Social Council bodies, with former senior diplomat Preeti Saran re-elected to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

United Nations, April 9 (IANS) India has swept unopposed the four elections to Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) bodies, with former senior diplomat Preeti Saran re-elected to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR).

In the elections on Wednesday, India was also elected to the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, and the committees on Non-Governmental Organisations, and for Programme and Coordination.

All the elections were by acclamation, which means they were unanimous.

Saran, a former Secretary (East) at the External Affairs Ministry, was re-elected in her personal capacity to the CESCR, where she had chaired last year's session.

She has been India's envoy to Vietnam and served in diplomatic missions in Toronto, Geneva, Dhaka, Cairo, and Moscow during her 36-year career in the Indian Foreign Service.

CESCR's 18 independent experts monitor the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The Covenant enshrines for all people economic, social and cultural rights such as the rights to adequate food, adequate housing, education, health, social security, water and sanitation, and work, according to the UN.

The Committee on NGOs is an influential body that examines applications for consultative status and requests for reclassification submitted by civil society groups and has a say on their participation in UN activities by ensuring they are legitimate.

The Commission on Science and Technology for Development frames the critical issues influencing the fields of science and technology, and how they affect development and a sustainable future, according to the UN.

The Committee for Programme and Coordination assists the ECOSOC by considering on a sector-by-sector basis the activities and programmes of UN agencies to ensure their work programmes are compatible and complementary, according to the UN.

The council is at the heart of the UN's mechanism to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development -- economic, social and environmental.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While this is a diplomatic achievement, I hope our focus on international bodies is matched by equal vigor in implementing these same rights—adequate housing, education, health—for all citizens at home. The real test is ground-level impact.
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Vikram M
Great to see India's voice strengthening in key UN committees, especially Science & Tech and NGOs. Our tech talent and vibrant civil society can contribute significantly to these global discussions. Jai Hind!
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Priya S
Being elected unopposed by acclamation speaks volumes! It's not just a win, it's an endorsement. Hope our representatives use this position to champion the causes of the Global South effectively.
R
Rohit P
Committee on NGOs is crucial. With so many genuine Indian NGOs doing great work, and some facing unnecessary hurdles, having an Indian expert there should help bring a balanced perspective to the table.
M
Michael C
Impressive sweep. The unanimous decision shows broad-based support for India's candidature. Ms. Saran's vast experience across continents will be a real asset to the CESCR.

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